The Finest Saloon in New Albany
- 1879 New Albany business mogul, John Briggs purchased this lot for $1,000 from Mary Logue and her husband in September of 1879. This building was constructed by Mr. Briggs in the early 1880s for investment purposes.
- 1882 – 1889 Sunny Side Saloon and Restaurant – Proprietor David B. Neafus
- 1890 – 1900 Sunny Side Saloon (and Restaurant and Hotel) – Proprietor Joseph A. Renn
“Choice Wines, Liquors, & Cigars” - 1901 – 1904 Renn’s Saloon – Proprietor Joseph A. Renn
“The Finest Saloon in New Albany, and The Worst Whisky, Wines, Beer, Cigars, and Tobacco in the city. Come Judge for Yourself.” - 1905 – 1908 Jenks’ Saloon – Proprietor William Jenks
“The Finest Saloon in New Albany, and The Worst Whisky, Wines, Beer, Cigars, and Tobacco in the City. Come Judge for Yourself.” - 1909 – 1940 Herb’s Saloon, Vic Herb’s Booze Emporium, a “Soft Drink” Shop during Prohibition, and Mary A. Herb’s Restaurant – Proprietors Victor, Edward and Mary Herb.
“The Finest Saloon in New Albany. And The Worst Whisky, Wines, Beer, Cigars, and Tobacco in the City – Come Judge for Yourself.”
“The Best Selected Stock of Liquors and Tobaccos in Town. Eats Too.” - 1941 – 1942 Ed’s Cafe – Proprietor Edwin LaDuke
- 1943 – 1946? Glaze’s Cafe – Proprietor Orville J. Glaze
- 1947? – 1950? Town House Restaurant – Proprietors Clarence P. and Chester LaDuke
- 1951 – 1954? Jake’s Cafe Tavern – Proprietor Jacob L. Sheets
- 1955 Kerstiens’ Tavern – Proprietor Jos H. Kerstiens
- 1956 – 1962 Kerstiens’ Bar – Proprietor Mrs. Joyce M. Kerstiens (Widow of Jos H Kerstiens)
- 1963 – 1985 Shirl-Ray’s Bar – Proprietors Shirley and Mrs. Elaine Bowman
- 1986 Shirl Ray’s Bar – Proprietors Alisha Coomer and De Wayne Bowman
Feast BBQ since 2012
In an attempt to restore 116 West Main to its former charm as, “The Finest Saloon in New Albany” we have removed the crumbling horsehair plaster walls and exposed the original brick work. The 130 year old floor joists from a once rotten and sagging floor have been repurposed into our table tops and the top of our bar; which itself was once the original entry way into the building. The black bathroom wainscoting is original to the space, but not the new bathroom facilities, having once stretched around the entire room downstairs.
The old ladies bathroom door and frame have been reused as the entry to our supply closet; we caution you to not spend too long standing in line there as it’s very much out of order. Around the building you’ll find photographs of the space and other relics of it’s faded elegance. If you happen to have a picture or memento please feel free to bring it in, we’d love to see it next time you stop in and stay a while.
